What's the best way to find an entry level job in electrical engineering.?

Question

I graduated with a bachelor's degree 5 years ago and haven't worked in the field yet. I've been working as a music teacher and in my own recording studio. All the electrical engineering job positions ask for 2-5 years experience in specific areas and with specialized skills.

I've searched Monster and some of the other popular web sites for listings but so far I haven't had any luck.

Thanks for your help,
John

Answer 1

You know, a good tip I've always heard is to schedule short interviews with persons already in the field. Do you know anyone who works as an electrical engineer? Do you know anyone who works at a company who employs electrical engineers? People love to talk about themselves, and if you approach a meeting as "I just want to get to know what an electrical engineering position really entails.. wonder if you would be able to talk to me about what you do?" people are often more than willing to sit down with you. And, in return, once they see you and speak with you, are likely to refer you to open positions or other people who can help you with finding a position.

Networking DOES work! But don't think networking is limited to people you already know - get out and meet new people. Also, you may want to look into electrical engineering industry groups, and see if there are any chapters in your area.. good place to meet professionals who work in the biz.

I'm sending good luck your way. :)
Carey

Answer 2

I disagree with a previous poster about internships. With the right company an internship can be very valuable. However, like you said most companies I know of will only hire student interns. Also, most companies I know focus recruiting new hires do so directly from universities. Like another poster asked... Was your reputable school ABET accredited in engineering? If I were in your shoes I'd look into getting a Masters degree in EE and use the full resources on that universities recruiting contacts to find a job.

Answer 3

Depends on what you want to do. The construction industry seems to be booming right now, you should try General Contractors, Electrical Subcontractors (maybe even Mechanical as there is always the interface), or Manufacturer's (ex. Siemens, GE, Square D, Eaton, ABB, Caterpillar, Cummins, etc.)

These groups are desperate for "qualified" people and are often accepting those with little experience and willing to train.

Try their web-sites and job opportunities. Even if they list some positions with some experience, apply anyway, it may just be a "boiler plate" job requisition and they will consider you.

Answer 4

The fact that you haven't worked as a EE for 5 years will seriously hurt you. That means your skills are severely washed out, and you will need significant refreshment. There is a fellow grad student in my research group with similar trouble. He went for 3 years without doing EE work after he graduated, and he forgot a TON. He basically had to spend an entire year playing catch-up.

College career fairs are good places to find employment. It also helps if you know someone in the field who can recommend you.

Answer 5

Network. Talk to your old profs and your old classmates, if possible. Be willing to take a job in engineering even if it is not electrical. Try to be active with your school's alumni association. Network.

It is hard. I didn't go into science/engineering because I am a people person. But, the only engineering job I got, after 3 years, was from people I knew from school - outside my field.

Answer 6

Ask yourself the question, do you even know much electrial engineering now.

Unless you have kept going doing something with it you are not likely to be as good as when you graduated.

The U.S. Navy wants engineers, they send you to graduate school to study a little nuclear engineering, and you end up on a sub under water for about 6 months at a time. But, you do get engineering experience.

Answer 7

Start as electrician helper and work on theat. but in the mean time take computers and there are a lot of those positions coming up.

Answer 8

Send out 200 resumes to the human resources departments of companies that design electronics (e.g. Hewlett Packard). Out of 200, you should get one or two nibbles.

Answer 9

Go to a power plant

Answer 10

go to a college fair.